Torquay
When I told my grandma that my boyfriend and I were taking a trip to Torquay, she was delighted. She thought it was fantastic I wasn’t flying out to some Greek island to ‘party my life away’. I listened as she told me how it had been a treat for her as a child to sit on the golden beaches with an ice cream.
That all sounded very nice but I wasn’t going to sample the cream teas or walk through the gardens by the sea front; I was in fact going to check out the night life at one of the UK’s up and coming hot spots.
Torquay has been a popular destination for centuries and visitors looking who like a bit of history on their holiday will not be disappointed. The Victorians used the name The English Riviera to describe the resort which is the birthplace and home of crime writer Agatha Christie. The historic Torre Abbey, an icon of Torquay's seafront, was originally built as a monastery, and during the two World Wars, Torquay was an important base for both British and foreign soldiers with hospitals being set up where the Living Coasts aquatic zoo is today. When the war ended and holidaymakers could return to coastal resorts, Torquay was flooded with visitors from around the world.
Nowadays Torquay is portrayed as a traditional seaside town, popular with families and the elderly, however if you delve deeper, I found there is a lot more going on for young people wanting a vibrant and sophisticated place to relax.
With over 500 hotels, it is easy to find one to fit all tastes and needs. We opted for the Atlantis Hotel, only five minutes’ walk from the train station and the harbour and city centre. This three storey guest house is perfect for families with children or couples, serving complimentary breakfast and comfortable spacious rooms with an en-suite bathroom for very reasonable price of £45 per night. Despite being the youngest couple at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed by owner Stephanie and told about all the best bars, restaurants and entertainment. Although the hotel locked its doors at midnight we were given our own key when returning after a night out, which was greatly received and appreciated!
Being only a short walking distance from the town centre meant getting to the town centre for shopping and night life was easy. The shops in Torquay are limited and very similar to those across the country with the exception of the Fleet Walk area where small unique boutiques can be found. However the vast amount of attractions Torquay has to offer compensate for the lack of retail therapy. Surfing, swimming, diving and sailing are just some of the activities available besides the cinema, theatre and museums.
Wanting to be adventurous we decided to try out a slightly different and more exhilarating activity and take up the offer of a 20 minute speed boat ride around the bay, costing us an amazing £9 each. This was definitely a highlight of our trip and a brilliant way of forgetting about our pesky hangovers from the night before.
One of the more traditional and popular places to unwind is on one of Torquay’s nine beaches; the sea breeze makes it perfect for relaxation as well as sandcastle making, swimming and topping up the tan.
After a day filled with boat rides, sand castle making and walking past numerous fish and chip restaurants, most people would opt for a quiet night in and an early bedtime. However this is when Torquay becomes an entirely different resort. The harbour with its cosmopolitan feel is the hub of nightlife with trendy wine bars and clubs playing music for all tastes. What makes Torquay so appealing is the sophisticated atmosphere; there are no ridiculous drinks offers or university-style rowdiness. Cafe Mambo is without a doubt the best club in Torquay with a wide selection of music for everyone and a large balcony bar to for some quality al-fresco socialising overlooking the tranquil water.
Open to 3am every night, this stylish hangout is a brilliant way to end the night but if you fancy something a little bit more low key, there are plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants tucked away down the old cobbled streets. The Treasury Bar and Restaurant set a little back from the harbour was one of our favourites. Good food mixed with a casual social scene and cocktails to die for, it is definitely recommended during your stay.
If you’re lucky to have a holiday lasting more than a few days, visiting towns around the bay is really worthwhile. Brixham and Paignton are the closest to Torquay and easily accessible by car, bus or train.
Brixham, a small fishing port on the southern end of Torbay is perfect for a chance to see the best of English Heritage and is home to some of the most stunning coastal walks in the UK. There are plenty of unusual shops and restaurants to be discovered, with seafood, not surprisingly, being very popular.
Paignton has all the essential ingredients needed for a traditional brilliant family holiday. Long sandy beaches, pier, harbour and various attractions for any ages make Paignton a very enjoyable day out.
Despite playing host to some of the best beaches and tourist attractions, Torquay is also a haven for people who want charm and elegance from their holiday. In three days, we found Torquay, or the Queen of the Riviera as it is sometimes known to be fun, fresh and filled with some of UK’s best restaurants and nightlife, everything my grandma thought and hoped it lacked!
Female first: Jessica Leal